Hagar Shirman

I am currently a program manager with Libraries for the Future, a non profit organization that supports public libraries nationwide through training, advocacy and grants. The organization's mission is to "support innovation and investment in America's libraries, emphasizing collaboration between libraries and community groups."

In my role as program manager, I planned and coordinated the 4-day EqualAccess training institute for librarians from 25 MA libraries, and I will be monitoring their work through the 2009 FY year (their training was matched with generous LSTA grants from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, where I have my office).

In addition, I provide support for other LFF programs (Fit for Life, Lifelong Access Libraries, and hopefully more to come), often as a presenter/trainer on assets and needs assessment, partnerships, and collaboration. My favorite part of the job? The opportunity to meet and get to know amazing librarians from Massachusetts and across the country. There is such incredible work being done in our field!

I joined LFF in February of this year, soon after graduating from the GSLIS program at Simmons College, here in Boston. Throughout my LIS studies, I focused on outreach and services to special populations. Last Fall, I had the great opportunity of becoming a certified trainer for Webjunction's Spanish Language Outreach workshops in Massachusetts, which eventually lead me to my position with LFF.